diff --git a/mesonbuild/compilers/vala.py b/mesonbuild/compilers/vala.py
index 0a612ae09..d8734fca9 100644
--- a/mesonbuild/compilers/vala.py
+++ b/mesonbuild/compilers/vala.py
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ class ValaCompiler(Compiler):
         return []
 
     def get_debug_args(self, is_debug):
-        return ['--debug']
+        return ['--debug'] if is_debug else []
 
     def get_output_args(self, target):
         return [] # Because compiles into C.